UBC International Scholars Program 2027

Applications opened on 5 October 2026 for the University of British Columbia International Scholars Program for September 2027 entry. This need-and-merit-based route is for exceptional international students entering directly from secondary school who cannot attend UBC without meaningful financial support. The completed award application is due 15 November 2026.

Official information checked: 5 October 2026. UBC assesses each applicant’s financial circumstances; the university does not publish one fixed award amount for every International Scholar.

Funding and benefits

UBC’s International Scholars Program combines academic merit, leadership and assessed financial need. Applicants must show that attending UBC would be impossible without meaningful financial help. The financial assessment reviews family gross income, expenses, assets, dependants, school fees, other support and the family’s expected contribution.

UBC does not state one universal award value on the current program page. Support depends on the award category and the applicant’s assessed circumstances. The program also provides dedicated advising, skills workshops, retreats and access to opportunities such as exchange and co-op. Applicants should not describe the award as a guaranteed fixed-value “full scholarship” before receiving their individual offer.

Who can apply?

• International students who will study in Canada on a Canadian study permit.
• Students entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
• Applicants for the 2027 Winter Session who graduated from high school no earlier than June 2026.
• Applicants seeking their first undergraduate degree.
• Students with superior academic achievement—UBC describes this as all As or an equivalent standard.
• Applicants with leadership, community impact and significant financial need.
• Students who meet UBC’s general, degree-specific and English-language admission requirements.

Several programs are excluded, including Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor + Master of Management, dual degrees and specified joint degrees. Review the official eligibility list before selecting a program.

English-language requirement

Applicants must meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard by 31 January 2027. Accepted routes and score requirements depend on the applicant’s educational background and test. Use UBC’s current English-language page rather than relying on an unofficial universal score. Applicants who do not qualify for direct entry may consider Vantage One and its separate Excellence Award route.

Required information and documents

The award application is detailed. Prepare the information requested in the portal and follow UBC’s instructions exactly:

• UBC undergraduate admission application details.
• A nomination from an eligible school official or approved non-profit organization.
• A separate recommendation from a teacher familiar with your work.
• Annual family income and expenses, family wealth and assets, dependants and annual school fees.
• Evidence of available financial support and an estimate of family contribution and financial need.
• Extracurricular activities, awards and four short essays of approximately 150–250 words each.
• Transcripts, high-school certificates and other admission documents requested after applying.
• Official English-language evidence where required.

UBC may invite shortlisted applicants to a video interview. Keep source documents ready because the financial assessment can require official evidence rather than estimates alone.

How to apply

1. Choose your program and campus: the award assessment uses your first-choice program, although UBC recommends selecting a second choice.
2. Confirm a nomination: speak with your school early. You need one nominator and one teacher referee, and they must be different people.
3. Apply for admission: submit the UBC undergraduate application before starting the International Scholars award application.
4. Create the award account: invite your nominator and teacher referee using their correct contact details.
5. Complete your sections: add financial data, activities, awards and essays, then review every entry.
6. Check recommendations: you cannot complete the award application until both forms have been submitted. UBC advises recommenders to finish several days before 15 November.
7. Submit the award application: finish before the deadline and retain confirmation.
8. Upload admission documents: follow UBC’s “Your UBC Application – Next Steps” email. International Scholars documents and the English standard are due by 31 January.

Deadlines for 2027 entry

• Program opened: 5 October 2026.
• International Scholars application: 15 November 2026.
• Recommendations: UBC advises submission a few days before 15 November.
• Admission documents and English standard: 31 January 2027.
• Possible video interviews: January–March 2027.
• Award results: rolling from February to April, with notification expected by early to mid-April.

The official page does not state a closing hour or time zone for the 15 November award deadline. Submit early and follow the time displayed in the application portal. The 31 January document deadline is separate from the award-application deadline.

Selection criteria and process

UBC evaluates academic achievement, leadership, community contribution, extracurricular engagement and financial need. A nominator and teacher referee provide separate perspectives. Applicants may then be invited to record video responses about their educational and leadership experiences. Admission and award decisions are related but distinct: applying for the award does not guarantee admission or funding.

Award categories

Applicants do not choose one award category. UBC automatically considers eligible applicants for the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, International Impact Award and, where applicable, the Vantage One Excellence Award. Each category emphasizes a different combination of leadership, adversity, community contribution or impact.

Practical applicant tips

• Ask the nominator and referee early; limited nominations can make school-level selection competitive.
• Use specific evidence of impact instead of listing titles or activities without outcomes.
• Keep financial figures consistent across forms and supporting documents.
• Explain circumstances clearly without exaggeration; UBC conducts a financial assessment.
• Choose your first-choice program carefully because the award review uses that choice.
• Draft essays early and leave time for technical problems and recommendation delays.

Frequently asked questions

Is the UBC International Scholars Program open?

Yes. UBC states that applications for September 2027 opened on 5 October 2026.

Is it a fixed-value scholarship?

No single universal amount is published for every International Scholar. The program assesses financial need and the applicable award category.

Can current university students apply?

The program is for students entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school for their first undergraduate degree.

Can I receive a merit-based entrance award too?

UBC states that applicants to the International Scholars Program will not be considered for its merit-based awards route.

Is a school nomination required?

Yes. Applicants need an eligible nominator and a separate teacher referee.

Related Canadian scholarships

• Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2027
• McGill Major Entrance Scholarships 2027
• University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship 2027
• University of Alberta President’s International Distinction Scholarship 2027

Official sources

• UBC International Scholars Program: eligibility, steps and deadlines
• UBC scholarships and awards for international students
• UBC English Language Admission Standard

Apply Now — Official UBC Program Page

ScholarshipHubNow is an independent information site. UBC determines eligibility, admission, financial assessment and final award conditions.